Psychological intervention with adult victims of sexual abuse: A comprehensive review

Clin Psychol Psychother. 2022 Jan;29(1):62-80. doi: 10.1002/cpp.2598. Epub 2021 Apr 27.

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a phenomenon that is ubiquitous to all cultures and social classes. It has short- and long-term consequences, with specific treatment models that have been developed and adapted from psychological intervention models. A wide variety of studies have sought to evaluate the results of treatments with adult CSA survivors. This study presents an overview of research on the treatment of adult victims of CSA, by reviewing the existing literature on the types of treatment and the most studied psychotherapeutic avenues, and reports the findings related to the efficacy of these treatments. It is possible to conclude that psychological intervention exhibits benefits in the reduction of symptoms resulting from the experience of CSA and demonstrates the need to conduct further research on the effectiveness of intervention.

Keywords: adult; child sexual abuse; efficacy; treatment; victim.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Adult Survivors of Child Abuse* / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Psychosocial Intervention
  • Psychotropic Drugs

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs